Wildcat Weekly

Dear MMS Families,

We have some BIG news to celebrate at MMS! The Illinois School Report Card was recently released, and Medinah Middle School earned the Approaching Exemplary designation — the second-highest designation awarded by the state! This is an incredible accomplishment, and I could not be prouder of our students and staff for the hard work they put in every day. It also reflects the partnership we have with you, our families. Educating our students is a team effort, and your support at home is such an important part of our success!

What makes this even more exciting is how close we were to earning the state's highest designation: Exemplary. One of the factors that held us back was consistent attendance, which measures the percentage of students who miss fewer than 18 days of school during the year. If just 3% more of our students had met that attendance benchmark, we would have reached Exemplary. So close!

That tells me two things: we are doing some really great things at MMS, and we have so much to be proud of! It also gives us an exciting goal to work toward together as we continue building on our success.

Thank you for being such an important part of what makes MMS special.

As we always say at MMS, It's a great day to be a Wildcat!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

-Mr. Olson, Principal, Medinah Middle School

Girls Basketball Schedule

Monday, November 9th

• Girls BB game @ MMS

Tuesday, November 10th

• Girls BB game @ Springwood

Wednesday, November 11th

• Tentative Fire Drill

Thursday, November 12th

• Girls BB game @ MMS

Monday, November 16th

• Girls BB game @ Wood Dale

Tuesday, November 17th

• Girls BB game @ Peacock

Thursday, November 19th

• Early Dismissal - 2pm

Monday, November 23- Friday November 27th

• Fall Break

Monday, November 30th

• School resumes
• Boys Basketball tryouts - (must have a current physical on file)

One of the ways we keep students informed at MMS is through our daily morning announcements. We share reminders about clubs, homework help, sports tryouts, important academic dates, upcoming events, and much more!

Until now, our morning announcement document has been an internal resource for staff. Beginning now, we're making it available to both students and parents! Students will be able to access it through their Advisory Google Classroom, and families can use the link below to see what's happening at MMS each day. This is also a great way for students who are absent or arrive late to catch up on anything they missed.

The best part? The link will never change! We will update the same document with each new week's announcements, so feel free to bookmark or favorite the link for easy access anytime. You can even watch our Monday video announcements, created each week by our talented Digital Media Club students!

View MMS Daily Morning Announcements Document

We hope this gives families one more easy way to stay connected to everything happening at MMS!

Looking for a way to make a difference, spread positivity, and help make our school a place where everyone feels welcome? Join us for the Kindness Club (we will vote on an official name during the first meeting)!

We'll meet during 7th grade lunch on Tuesdays to brainstorm fun ways to spread kindness, build connections, celebrate others, and make our school community stronger. From positive messages and fun activities to random acts of kindness, we'll work together to make someone's day a little brighter!

Everyone in 7th grade is welcome; no sign-ups or fee required, just drop in! Come share your ideas, make new connections, and be part of something positive.

Starting on November 10th at 12:03 (7th Grade Lunch) in Room 111. Contact Mrs. Erickson, Mrs. Mardula, or Mrs. Grant if you have any questions.

Dear Families:

The safety and well-being of our adolescents is a major concern of parents today. Medinah Middle School recognizes this and is responding to these concerns by participating in the “Teens Taking Charge” program for 7th graders and the “Safe Dates” program for 8th graders, presented by the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Patterson & McDaniel Family Center, from Monday, November 9th through Thursday, November 12th.

· Family Shelter states: 42% of teens will experience some form of violence in a dating relationship before they turn 21.

· The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault states that: 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before they reach the age of 18. Of those, over 85% will be assaulted by someone they know and trust.

· According to a survey done by Seventeen magazine through Wellesley College Center for Research on Women: 85% of girls and 76% of boys reported that while in school they experienced “unwanted, unwelcome, sexual behavior that interfered with their lives, both personally and academically.”

These programs focus on three components:

1. Relationships – helping students learn what a healthy relationship looks like.

2. Sexual Assault Prevention – students will identify different types of abuse and sexual assault through an exercise using a continuum of violence. They will be encouraged to listen to their instincts to avoid dangerous situations and finally they will get resources on where to go for help.

3. Sexual Harassment – students will learn what sexual harassment is and what to do if they

feel like they are being sexually harassed.

Throughout the programs the Educators from the YWCA will be helping the students to identify a safety network of adults that they can go to if they have any problems or concerns.

Safe Dates Letter

Erin's Law Letter

Steve Olson

Principal

Tim Wink

Physical Education Teacher

In honor of Veterans Day, MMS is collecting donations to help send care packages to U.S. service members serving overseas! We encourage families to consider donating items such as snacks, protein bars, coffee, hygiene products, batteries, and other essentials. Even small contributions can make a big difference!

Donations will be collected November 2–11. We will have a collection box in the main office where students or parents can drop off donations. Please review the flyer below for a complete list of requested items and important restrictions on what can be donated.

If you don't have time to shop, buy from our Amazon Wish List and it can be delivered right to school. Choose Sherie Hornstein (MPS Secretary) as the delivery address.

Thank you for helping our Wildcats show appreciation and support for those who serve our country!

Medinah Middle School

700 E. Granville, Roselle IL 60172

630-893-3838

www.medinah11.org

MMS Clubs

MMS offers a variety of clubs throughout the school year, giving students additional opportunities to get involved, connect with others, and explore their interests. Clubs may start and end at different times throughout the year, so check this section of the newsletter each week for current club schedules, details, and any sign-up information.

🎭 Drama Club

Students will enjoy a variety of fun activities, including improv, one-act plays, and readers’ theater! We’ll also play interactive games to help students feel more comfortable speaking and acting in front of their peers.

If there is enough interest, we hope to host an end-of-year performance for families!

• When: Tuesdays after school until 4:15 PM

• Start Date: October 13

• Cost: $5 per student to cover scripts and supplies

Forms with payment information will be sent home with students in the next couple of weeks.

Questions? Please contact Mr. Bolz, Miss Knoll, or Mrs. Wortsman.

🎮 Game Club

Game Club is a chance for students to hang out, have fun, and connect with others through video games, board games, and tabletop games!

When: Every Wednesday, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: MMS Library
Cost/Sign-Up: No fee or sign-up required - just drop in!

Students may bring personal gaming equipment from home, but they must first get a permission slip from Ms. Benson and return it signed by a parent/guardian. Please note that the school cannot be responsible for lost or damaged personal equipment.

🫛 Peas in a Pod Club

A warm and welcoming space where students can build new and existing friendships through cozy activities such as puzzles, paint-by-numbers, knitting, making and sharing snacks, and creating crafts as gifts for others. This club is a great option for students who may not feel comfortable participating in competitive or athletic clubs and provides a calm, open environment to connect with others. No expert skills required—just come as you are!

When: Every Thursday, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Where: Room 104 - Mrs. Panizales' room
Cost/Sign-Up: Permission slip required but no fee or sign-up - just drop in!

🎨 Art Club

Come create with us! Art Club is open to all MMS students and gives students a relaxed space to be creative, explore different materials, and work on art projects.

When: Every Friday, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: Art Room
Cost/Sign-Up: No fee or sign-up required - just drop in!

🎥Digital Media Club

Help us create and edit our weekly video announcements. Learn to write and deliver news content, use the camera, and use editing software.

When: Filming Thursday mornings, 8:00-8:30am. Editing Friday mornings 8:00-8:30am

Where: LMTC

Cost/Sign up: No fee to join. See Mrs. Wortsman to sign up.

As students begin using their Chromebooks this school year, we strongly encourage families to consider purchasing Chromebook insurance for $20 per student. This optional insurance covers the cost of Chromebook damages and repairs for your student for the entire school year.

Without insurance, families will be responsible for the district’s cost to repair damaged Chromebook components:

• Hinge: $17
• Front Bezel: $22
• Back Cover: $25
• Keyboard: $25
• Touchpad: $29
• Battery: $70
• Screen: $90

As you can see, even one repair can cost significantly more than the $20 insurance fee, so we encourage families to take advantage of this coverage.

CLICK HERE to visit MySchoolBucks and purchase Chromebook insurance for the school year.

Please note that insurance applies to one student only. If you have multiple students and would like each Chromebook covered, insurance must be purchased separately for each student. Insurance must be purchased before any damage occurs in order for that damage to be covered. Coverage applies only to the 2026–2027 school year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Our P.A.W.S. Program (Positive Acts of Wildcat Service) recognizes students for giving back through service and volunteering in our community. Students can begin earning service credit as early as 6th grade and work toward special recognition and awards at their 8th grade graduation.

Getting started is easy! Students simply record their service on the P.A.W.S. form, have it signed by the organization where they volunteered, and turn the completed form in to the main office. Printed copies are also available in the office for students to pick up.

It’s never too early to start — we love seeing our Wildcats making a positive difference in their community!

Download the First View app and sign up to track your child’s bus. First View allows parents to view their bus’s location, receive trip updates and notifications, and stay informed about transportation.

Click here for the Medinah School District #11 First View Parent Letter:
Medinah School District #11 First View Parent Letter

First View Student Tracking Parent Registration Guide:
First View Parent Registration Guide

When prompted, you will need to enter:

• District Code: U2G2J

• Student’s Last Name

• Student’s School ID – If you do not know your child’s Student ID, please contact your child’s school office.

We encourage all bus-riding families to download First View

Cell Phones: As shared throughout the summer, students will not have access to their cell phones during the school day. Our updated cell phone policy is designed to reduce distractions, increase student engagement, and create the best possible learning environment. For more information about the policy and the reasons behind it, please click below to view our Cell Phone FAQ.

Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth headphones must remain put away during the school day. Students may bring Bluetooth headphones for use before or after school; however, the district is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Students will need wired headphones for use with their Chromebooks during class and state assessments.

E-Bikes & E-Scooters: As a reminder, E-Bikes and E-Scooters are not permitted on school property at any time, including before school, after school, evenings, and weekends. This expectation helps ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors.

Click the blue button below to see bell schedules for the 2026-2027 school year for the following: Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Friday, Early Dismissal, Half Day.

SCHOOL START TIME- 8:40 a.m., Students enter the building at 8:35 a.m.

LUNCH TIMES-

• Mon-Tues
• 8th Grade - 11:20-11:52
• 7th Grade - 12:03-12:35
• 6th Grade - 12:46-1:18
• Wed-Fri

• 8th Grade + 7th Grade band students - 11:36-12:06
• 6th Grade + 7th Grade students not in band- 12:08-12:38
• Early Dismissal-

• 8th Grade + 7th Grade band students - 11:21-11:51
• 6th Grade + 7th Grade students not in band- 11:53-12:23

They will open the portal for ordering lunches the week of 8/10.

• All students must be registered for school to create a MyMeals account.
• You will need to put in your students ID number
• Please create your account to order milk only or lunches each week.
• Lunch orders for the following week will always be due the Wednesday prior.
• PLEASE NOTE: Approved Free and/or reduced lunch participants still need to register and order their meals and/or milk using the MyMeals program. Only those eligible and who have placed an order via MyMeals will receive a free or reduced meal. (SEE BELOW FOR THE FREE/REDUCED APPLICATION).

Health Office Contacts:

• District Nurse, Ashley Malik–asmalik@medinah11.org

• Health Office Assistant, Ewelina Korzeniewski–ewkorzeniewski@medinah11.org

Required Health Forms:

• 6th Grade & ALL NEW STUDENTS: Physical, Dental, & Vision

• If your child will be participating in Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading or Track they will need a current physical on file before trying out for the team.

Student Needs:

• Please inform the nurse of any allergies or sensitivities to foods, medications, and environmental allergens. If there are any pertinent details of your students' health that you feel the nurse needs to know, please reach out and discuss this with the school nurse. This information can be helpful to better support your student throughout the day, if certain situations arise.

About Your Student’s Medication:

• The district's medication policy mandates that all medication to be administered at school requires an MD order, this includes over-the-counter medications. Students may NOT keep over-the-counter meds in their backpacks or in their lockers--including cough drops, Advil, etc. This is an important safety concern! Please review the policy included in the registration process. A completed medication authorization form must be accompanied with any medication administered at school.

• If your student requires an inhaler, Epi-Pen, or any oral medication, please obtain the medication form and appropriate health care plan from your physician when your child has their exam. Forms may also be obtained on the district website. Medication_Authorization2016.pdf (medinah11.org)

Absences related to illness:

• If a student is absent for 3 or more consecutive days due to a illness or health issue, a doctor’s note WILL BE required per district policy

Please prepare to keep your child home until:

• A fever of 100 degrees or greater--they can return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of any fever reducing medication

• Vomited or had diarrhea--they can return to school after 24 hours illness-free

• A persistent sore throat/cough--they can return to school after MD evaluation/treatment

• Body aches/fatigue/paleness--they can return to school when rested/stronger

• Itchy, draining eyes

Medinah Middle School offers a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular sports to engage students beyond the classroom. Opportunities include Cross Country, Basketball, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track, and a range of clubs such as Digital Media Club, Yearbook Club, Art Club, and Game Club, as well as musical groups like Concert Band and Jazz Band.

Concussion info sheet

MMS Extra Curricular Participation Agreement

Sports Physical Form

Sports - Pre-Participation Examination Form

Sport and Extra Curricular Fees

Cross Country - $50

Basketball - $75

Volleyball - $75

Cheerleading - $75

Track - $50